Sustainable Biomaterials Research Articles

Cellulose from dinoflagellates as a versatile and environmentally friendly platform for the production of functionalised cellulose nanofibres

Cellulose nanofibres (CNFs), also known as nano-fibrillated cellulose, have emerged as highly promising sustainable biomaterials owing to their numerous advantages, including high accessibility, long-term sustainability, low toxicity, and mechanical properties. Recently, marine organisms have been explored as novel and environmentally friendly sources of cellulose fibers (CFs) due to their easy cultivation, extraction and biocompatibility. Dinoflagellates, a group of marine phytoplankton, have gained particular attention due to their unique cellulosic morphology and lignin-free biomass. Previously, we showed that the unique amorphous nature of dinoflagellate-derived cellulose offers various benefits. This study further explores the potential of dinoflagellate-derived CFs as a sustainable and versatile CNF source. Extracted dinoflagellate cellulose is effectively converted into CNFs via one-step TEMPO oxidation without significant polymer degradation. In addition, the biological compatibility of the CNFs is improved by amine-grafting using putrescine and folic acid. The products are characterised by conductometric titration, zeta potential measurements, TGA, GPC, FTIR, SEM/TEM, XRD, and XPS. Finally, in a proof-of-principle study, the application of the functionalised CNFs in drug delivery is tested using methylene blue as a drug model. Our findings suggest that dinoflagellate-derived CNFs provide an eco-friendly platform that can be easily functionalised for various applications, including drug delivery.

Green and sustainable hydrogels based on quaternized chitosan to enhance wound healing

Hydrogel-based biomaterials applied as wound dressings provide the wound with a moist environment, which facilitates tissue regeneration through granulation and re-epithelialization. The inherent flexibility and adjustable architecture of hydrogels enables incorporation of cells, antimicrobial drugs, growth factors, and bioactive compounds, which leads to expediting wound contraction and enhancing the regeneration process. The utilization of natural polysaccharides, particularly chitosan, as a green and one of the most sustainable biomaterials among renewable resources, has been widely practised in wound healing because of its promising cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. However, the challenge of limited solubility of chitosan at neutral or basic media (pH ≥ 6.5) has been pinpointed. The exploration of quaternary chitosan hydrogels was a big step to combat its low solubility through the contribution of a quaternary ammonium group that improves the hydrophilicity and additionally brings about antibacterial activity over a wide range of pH. This review summarizes the latest progress in using hydrogel dressings based on quaternized chitosan for wound regeneration, encompassing various aspects such as hemostasis, antibacterial activity, antioxidant properties, and overall wound healing efficacy. Furthermore, the present review addresses the existing challenges and proposes possible solutions to enlarge development avenues in pursue of optimizing wound regeneration performance of quaternized chitosan-based hydrogels in prospect.

Plant Waste-Based Bioadditive as an Antioxidant Agent and Rheological Modifier of Bitumen.

In recent times, circular economy initiatives in addition to the need for sustainable biomaterials have brought about several attempts at the eco-friendly, eco-sustainable and cost-effective production of asphalt pavements. It is an increasingly common practice in the asphalt industry to improve road pavement performance using additives to enhance the physico-chemical properties of bitumen, which performs the role of the binder in the asphalt mix. This paper evaluated the potential of a bio-based additive derived from olive leaf residue as a modifier and antioxidant agent for bitumen. Samples of neat, aged and doped aged bitumen were analyzed. In this study, the two bio-based additives were characterized in terms of phenol, chlorophyll, lignin and cellulose content, which was correlated with the mechanical properties of the tested samples. The mechanical properties of the neat, modified, aged and unaged samples were evaluated via Dynamic Shear Rheology. The bio-based additives proved to be promising and can improve the properties of bitumen binder and the performance of asphalt pavements in general.

Fiber welded EDTA-modified cellulose for remediation of heavy metal ions

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a well-known metal chelator and an attractive ligand for covalently modifying adsorbents for bioremediation. Cellulose, a naturally occurring biopolymer, has immense potential as an inexpensive, earth abundant, biocompatible scaffold for EDTA-facilitated environmental remediation; however, pretreatment of the material is required to achieve sufficient degrees of chemical modification. In this study, Natural Fiber Welding (NFW) is used to prepare commercial cotton Aida cloth for EDTA functionalization. Following NFW, the cotton scaffold was covalently modified with up to 0.56 mmol of EDTA per gram of adsorbent, a nearly 2.5-fold increase over native material. The welded EDTA-modified substrates were tested qualitatively against cobalt and quantitatively against nickel, reaching equilibrium binding capacities (qe) of up to 46 mg metal per g of adsorbent, on par with capacities reported from past work on EDTA-modified cellulose. In addition, adsorbent material could be regenerated using mild acid treatment with no significant loss in qe. Unlike the controls, the fiber-welded EDTA-Aida did not fray even after 3 chelation cycles, indicating enhanced textile robustness afforded through NFW treatment. Overall, NFW offers a new approach to converting commercially available, sustainable biomaterials into robust adsorbents for environmental remediation.

Photonics of Hydrothermally Treated β‐Lactoglobulin Amyloids

Increased temperature and high pressure are applied to β‐lactoglobulin fibrils in the autoclave, resulting in the acquisition of a composite material comprised of partially disassembled amyloid fibrils and carbon dots. Confirmation of the preservation of the β‐sheet motif attributed to amyloids in the hydrothermally treated fibrils is obtained through wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and ThT assay. Z‐scan analysis reveals a two‐photon absorption (2PA) enhancement in the low‐lying transition band (La) of tyrosine, while quantum chemical calculations demonstrate a correlation between the yield of 2PA and the interspace distance between aromatic residues. Overall, the intrinsic optical properties of amyloid fibrils treated in a subcritical water environment are found to be linked with the π‐conjugation of tyrosine units and their through‐space coupling. The resulting composite material is employed as a coating for a commercial ultraviolet light‐emitting diode lamp, showcasing the potential utility of sustainable biomaterials with improved optical properties for photonics applications.

Mechanical and Physiochemical Characteristics of Sandcrete Blocks Produced with Sustainable Biomaterials

The quest for sustainable construction materials is rapidly increasing; due to health hazards associated the traditional construction items. This research goal is to investigate how sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), crushed periwinkle shells (CPS) and cassava starch (CS) incursion affects the engineering performance of sandcrete blocks, and the physiochemical qualities of their leachate. SBA was incorporated at a rate of 5, 10, 15 and 20% as substitution for cement; treated CPS (TCPS) and untreated CPS (UCPS) were add at a rate of 10, 15, 20 and 25% as partial replacement for sand; while 1% CS was added as integrity enhancer. A consistent cement–sand mix ratio of 1:8 and corresponding water–cement (w/c) ratio of 0.55 were employed across all 17 experimental units; and the blocks were cured using the irrigation technique. Likewise, the blocks were subjected to leaching condition (immersion in water) to collect their leachate. Chemical compositions of the SBA, sand, cement, CS and TCPS and UCPS were examined using the x–ray fluorescent technique, while the mechanical and physiochemical parameters of the blocks were studied in harmony with the American Society for Testing and Materials standards. The results obtained revealed that the mechanical and physiochemical qualities of the blocks were dependent on the volume of the bio–materials incorporated into the sandcrete. Furthermore, the findings showed that an environmentally friendly high–strength lightweight sandcrete blocks, meeting international requirement of 3.45 N/mm2 can be produced by incorporating 10% SBA, 15% TCPS and 1% CS into the sandcrete block. The research highlights the possibility of using agricultural waste materials in achieving sustainable materials for the housing industry.

The Potential of Almond Skin as a Sustainable Biomaterial for Eliminating Azo Dye in Aqueous Media

The Potential of Almond Skin as a Sustainable Biomaterial for Eliminating Azo Dye in Aqueous Media

Influence of Chemical Treatment on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Fibers as Potential Reinforcement for Polymer Composites

ABSTRACT The growing concern for environmentally friendly biomaterials has spurred interest in natural fibers as a viable alternative to synthetic fibers in various industrial applications. Chemical treatment of natural fibers is necessary in cases where it is desired to enhance their properties and make them more suitable for various industrial applications. These treatments can remove impurities, increase fiber roughness for better adhesion, and modify surface chemistry, ultimately improving characteristics like tensile strength, thermal stability, and compatibility with matrix materials in composites. In this study, chemical treatments, including Sodium Hydroxide, Ammonium Hydroxide, and Potassium Permanganate, were applied to the Bamboo fibers to modify the fiber structure. The tensile strength, morphological characteristics, and degree of crystallinity of the treated fibers were examined. Results revealed that 5% Sodium Hydroxide treatment for 2 hours significantly improved tensile strength and crystallinity compared to other treatments. Chemical composition analysis, XRD, and FTIR analyses confirmed the removal of impurities and amorphous substances. Density measurements indicated a reduction in volume due to the elimination of low molecular weight impurities, leading to increased fiber density. This research provides valuable insights for the development of sustainable biomaterials in the construction and automotive industries such as wall panels, dashboards and door panels.

Precision Cellulose from Living Cationic Polymerization of Glucose 1,2,4-Orthopivalates.

Cellulose serves as a sustainable biomaterial for a wide range of applications in biotechnology and materials science. While chemical and enzymatic glycan assembly methods have been developed to access modest quantities of synthetic cellulose for structure-property studies, chemical polymerization strategies for scalable and well-controlled syntheses of cellulose remain underdeveloped. Here, we report the synthesis of precision cellulose via living cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP) of glucose 1,2,4-orthopivalates. In the presence of dibutyl phosphate as an initiator and triflic acid as a catalyst, precision cellulose with well-controlled molecular weights, defined chain-end groups, and excellent regio- and stereospecificity was readily prepared. We further demonstrated the utility of this method through the synthesis of precision native d-cellulose and rare precision l-cellulose.

Silver Coordination Polymers Driven by Adamantoid Blocks for Advanced Antiviral and Antibacterial Biomaterials.

The development of sustainable biomaterials and surfaces to prevent the accumulation and proliferation of viruses and bacteria is highly demanded in healthcare areas. This study describes the assembly and full characterization of two new bioactive silver(I) coordination polymers (CPs) formulated as [Ag(aca)(μ-PTA)]n·5nH2O (1) and [Ag2(μ-ada)(μ3-PTA)2]n·4nH2O (2). These products were generated by exploiting a heteroleptic approach based on the use of two different adamantoid building blocks, namely 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) and 1-adamantanecarboxylic (Haca) or 1,3-adamantanedicarboxylic (H2ada) acids, resulting in the assembly of 1D (1) and 3D (2). Antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of the obtained compounds were investigated in detail, followed by their incorporation as bioactive dopants (1 wt %) into hybrid biopolymers based on acid-hydrolyzed starch polymer (AHSP). The resulting materials, formulated as 1@AHSP and 2@AHSP, also featured (i) an exceptional antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 and human adenovirus (HAd-5) and (ii) a remarkable antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Docking experiments, interaction with human serum albumin, mass spectrometry, and antioxidation studies provided insights into the mechanism of antimicrobial action. By reporting these new silver CPs driven by adamantoid building blocks and the derived starch-based materials, this study endows a facile approach to access biopolymers and interfaces capable of preventing and reducing the proliferation of a broad spectrum of different microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Unlocking the Potential of Tropical Fruit Waste to Develop a Biobased Material: An Environment-Friendly Approach

For the sustainable fashion manifesto, biobased material is a novel creation that is made from leftovers and growing biological cells. As the need to develop sustainable biomaterials is on the rise many researchers have focused their studies on microbes and other biological organisms such as plants to offer cleaner, greener processes and entirely new products. The majority of leather items are produced from the skins of cows and calves, that are killed for their flesh. Bio-based materials with Tropical fruit waste were developed using Bacterial Cellulose (Gluconacetobacter) and leftover peels and rinds of mango, papaya and jackfruit. For the production of Bacterial Cellulose (BC), the use of agricultural leftovers can be a cheap and sustainable method. The basic physical tests show that matrices with BC have higher physical and abrasion resistance compared to the other samples. The research indicates that the presence of BC in the matrix increases the biobased material's strength and elongation twofold. The manufacturing processes are using up the natural resource and cause negative environmental effects, this can be reduced by using waste as raw materials. This study has opened new ways of creating biomaterials without using up resources and meeting consumers' sustainability concerns.

Physicochemical properties and fatty acid profile of oil extracted from black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)

Background and Aim: Hermetia illucens, a black soldier fly, is widely recognized for sustainable recycling of organic waste. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFLs) can consume various types of biowastes and convert them into nutrient-rich biomass, including proteins, lipids, chitin, and minerals. This study investigated the best extraction method by comparing the fatty acid profiles, percentage yield, and antioxidant properties of BSFL oil extracted using different extraction methods. Materials and Methods: The physicochemical properties, fatty acid profile, and free radical scavenging ability of BSFL oil were analyzed using six extraction methods. Results: Ultrasonic extraction with hexane resulted in the highest yields compared with different extraction methods. Lauric acid (28%–37%) was the most abundant fatty acid in all extracts, followed by palmitic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. Compared with other methods, aqueous extraction showed the highest lauric acid composition and free radical scavenging activities. In addition, high-temperature aqueous extraction resulted in higher oil yield and free radical scavenging activities than low-temperature extraction. Conclusion: High-temperature aqueous extraction is the best extraction method because it is rich in lauric acid, has antioxidant ability, and can be further developed to produce novel sustainable biomaterials for humans and animals. Keywords: black soldier fly, extraction method, fatty acid, Hermetia illucens.

Banana fibre-chitosan-guar gum composite as an alternative wound healing material

Bio-composites, which can be obtained from the renewable natural resources, are fascinating material for use as sustainable biomaterials with essential properties like biodegradable, bio-compatibility as well cyto-compatibility etc. These properties are useful for bio-medical including wound healing applications. In this study, fibre obtained banana pseudo stem of banana plant, which is otherwise wasted, was used as a material along with chitosan and guar gum to fabricate a banana fibre-biopolymer composite patch. The physiochemical properties of the patches were examined using Fourier Transformed Infra-red spectrophotometer (FT-IR), tensile tester, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), contact angle tester, swelling and degradation studies. We further demonstrated that a herbal drug, Nirgundi could be loaded to the patch showed controlled its release at different pHs. The patch had good antibacterial property and supported proliferation of mouse fibroblast cells. The study thus indicates that banana fibre-chitosan-guar gum composite can be developed into an alternative wound healing material.

Transforming textile waste into nanocellulose for a circular future.

The expansion of the textile industry and improvements in living standards have led to increased cotton textile production, resulting in a rise in textile waste, with cotton accounting for 24% of total textile waste. Effective waste management through recycling and reuse is crucial to reducing global waste production. Nanocellulose has diverse applications in environmental, geotechnical, food packaging, and biomedical engineering areas. As interest in nanocellulose's unique properties grows, cotton-based textile waste emerges as a promising source for nanocellulose development. However, there is a notable lack of comprehensive reviews on the extraction of nanocellulose from textile waste as a sustainable biomaterial. This paper aims to address this gap by exploring current extraction processes, properties, and recent applications of nanocellulose derived from textile waste. We discussed (1) the potential of nanocellulose resources from different textile wastes, (2) a comparison of the various extraction methods, (3) the functionalization technology and the potential application of such nanocellulose in the textile industry, and (4) the life cycle assessment (LCA) and potential gap of the current technology. It also emphasizes the potential reintegration of extracted nanocellulose into the textile industry to manufacture high-value products, thus completing the loop and strengthening the circular economy.

Bacterial nanocelluloses as sustainable biomaterials for advanced wound healing and dressings

Wound healing remains a significant clinical challenge, calling for innovative approaches to expedite the recovery process and improve patient outcomes. Bacterial nanocelluloses (BNCs) have emerged as a promising solution in...

A Review on Sources, Extractions and Analysis Methods of a Sustainable Biomaterial: Tannins

A Review on Sources, Extractions and Analysis Methods of a Sustainable Biomaterial: Tannins

Design, manufacturing and testing of a green non-isocyanate polyurethane prosthetic heart valve.

The sole effective treatment for most patients with heart valve disease is valve replacement by implantation of mechanical or biological prostheses. However, mechanical valves represent high risk of thromboembolism, and biological prostheses are prone to early degeneration. In this work, we aim to determine the potential of novel environmentally-friendly non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) for manufacturing synthetic prosthetic heart valves. Polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) NIPUs are synthesized via an isocyanate-free route, tested in vitro, and used to produce aortic valves. PHU elastomers reinforced with a polyester mesh show mechanical properties similar to native valve leaflets. These NIPUs do not cause hemolysis. Interestingly, both platelet adhesion and contact activation-induced coagulation are strongly reduced on NIPU surfaces, indicating low thrombogenicity. Fibroblasts and endothelial cells maintain normal growth and shape after indirect contact with NIPUs. Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) allows modeling of the ideal valve design, with minimal shear stress on the leaflets. Injection-molded valves are tested in a pulse duplicator and show ISO-compliant hydrodynamic performance, comparable to clinically-used bioprostheses. Poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTHF)-NIPU patches do not show any evidence of calcification over a period of 8 weeks. NIPUs are promising sustainable biomaterials for the manufacturing of improved prosthetic valves with low thrombogenicity.

Fungal skin for robots

Advancements in mycelium technology, stemming from fungal electronics and the development of living mycelium composites and skins, have opened new avenues in the fusion of biological and artificial systems. This paper explores an experimental endeavour that successfully incorporates living, self-regenerating, and reactive Ganoderma sessile mycelium into a model cyborg figure, creating a bio-cybernetic entity. The mycelium, cultivated using established techniques, was homogeneously grown on the cyborg model’s surface, demonstrating robust reactivity to various stimuli such as light exposure and touch. This innovative merger points towards the future of sustainable biomaterials and the potential integration of these materials into new and existing technologies.

Sustainable Materials and Technologies for Biomedical Applications

Over the past few years, 3D-printed biomaterials have gained widespread usage in the manufacturing of orthopaedic implants. 3D-printed implants have low weight, minimal material waste, ease of creation, the capacity to create complex topological implants that are patient specific, and a porous structure that permits tissue development. 3D printing has the potential to reduce material waste, cut transportation costs, optimise manufacturing costs, streamline the supply chain in supply chain management (SCM), and enhance environmental sustainability by utilising the concept of production-on-demand (POD). Biopolymer-based composites consisting of cellulose, chitin, and chitosan are sustainable materials that may be utilised as necessary. In light of the present biomedical issues, hydroxyapatite and starch combinations have immense potential for generating sustainable biomaterials. Carbon, which is a key category of sustainable biomaterials, is found in a wide range of carbonaceous gels and biomaterials based on cellulose fibres and carbon nanotube. The goal of this article is to give a thorough review of a few of the most recent developments, uses, and challenges for biomaterials made from sustainable resources. In this article, the authors have initially covered different biomaterials such as metallic, polymeric, ceramic, and composite and their properties and applications. Sustainable manufacturing techniques for biomaterials such as 3D and 4D printing are also covered in this article. Different sustainable biomaterials are covered with their properties and applications such as protein-based, cellulose, chitin, and chitosan composite-based, hydroxyapatite-starch-based and carbonaceous biomaterials. At last, future scope and opportunities in sustainable biomaterials and manufacturing techniques are covered. It has been found out that 3D printing technologies may support circular production systems across a range of sectors including biomedical by permitting the use of recycled and recovered materials as raw materials only when necessary.

In Vitro Cytocompatibility Assessment of Novel 3D Chitin/Glucan- and Cellulose-Based Decellularized Scaffolds for Skin Tissue Engineering

Background: Naturally derived sustainable biomaterials with high flexibility, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and the ability to manipulate surface chemistry, providing a natural cellular environment, can be used for tissue engineering applications. However, only a few researchers have demonstrated the exploitation of natural architectures for constructing three-dimensional scaffolds. The chemical decellularization technique for fabricating natural scaffolds and their cytocompatibility assessment for tissue engineering applications need to be thoroughly explored and evaluated. Methods: Decellularization of natural scaffolds has been performed via a chemical method using anionic detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) which was used for the in vitro culturing of murine embryonic NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. Techniques such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), compressive testing and swelling ratio, and biodegradation were performed to characterize the properties of fabricated decellularized natural scaffolds. Nucleic acid quantification, DAPI, and H&E staining were performed to confirm the removal of nuclear components. In vitro cytocompatibility and live/dead staining assays were performed to evaluate cultured fibroblasts’ metabolic activity and qualitative visualization. Results: 3D chitin/glucan- and cellulose-based scaffolds from edible mushroom (stem) (DMS) and unripe jujube fruit tissue (DUJF) were fabricated using the chemical decellularization technique. FE-SEM shows anisotropic microchannels of highly microporous structures for DMS and isotropic and uniformly arranged microporous structures with shallow cell cavities for DUJF. Both scaffolds exhibited good mechanical properties for skin tissue engineering and DUJF showed a higher compressive strength (200 kPa) than DMS (88.3 kPa). It was shown that the DUJF scaffold had a greater swelling capacity than the DMS scaffold under physiological conditions. At 28 days of incubation, DUJF and DMS displayed approximately 14.97 and 15.06% biodegradation, respectively. In addition, DUJF had greater compressive strength than DMS. Compared to DMS scaffolds, which had a compressive stress of 0.088 MPa at a 74.2% strain, the DUJF scaffolds had a greater compressive strength of 0.203 MPa at a 73.6% strain. The removal of nuclear DNA in the decellularized scaffolds was confirmed via nucleic acid quantification, DAPI, and H&E staining. Furthermore, both of these scaffolds showed good adherence, proliferation, and migration of fibroblasts. DMS showed better biocompatibility and high viability of cells than DUJF. Conclusions: This sustainable scaffold fabrication strategy is an alternative to conventional synthetic approaches for the in vitro 3D culture of mammalian cells for various tissue engineering and cultured meat applications.